Accommodation

Gola Conservation Centre

Lalehun, Gola Central

The Gola Conservation Centre at Lalehun provides the quickest entry point into the park from Freetown or Bo, located just 40 km (approx. 1.5 hours) from Kenema in Gola Central. From here there is a network of trails that lead into the forest offering opportunities for trekking and camping in the heart of the National Park. Visitors are also able to visit an ancient grave site of the original Gola people. The centre includes a 3-bedroom visitors’ lodge and two 10-bedroom dormitory blocks.
Lalehun is ideal for bird-watchers offering opportunities for spotting rare species such as the Gola Malimbe, and the enigmatic White-necked Picarthartes. For the best viewing opportunities your guide will lead you to one of the nesting colonies around sunset, or before daybreak for those who want an early start. Don’t miss the ‘Gola’ masked devil dance performed by Lalehun villagers, which can be arranged upon request.

Diana Monkey Lodge is located at the Sileti substation in Gola South and is the most convenient area to visit for those travelling to/from Liberia, situated 75 km south of Kenema (approx. 3 hours). There are two half-day nature trails accessible from the park substation that provide an opportunity to spot resident groups of Diana Monkeys and possibly other primates such as the Red Colobus and Black and White Colobus. The lodge includes two 3-bedroom cottages, each with double beds, and a shared kitchen and common space.
A 2-day/1-night camping trip along the Mahoi River is also available, which involves easy to moderate walking only. For those looking for a more rugged adventure, a 3-day trek through the heart of Gola South finishing at the Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is also possible. While the nearby Nemahungoima Village offers visitors an opportunity to experience Mende village life.

Community Guesthouse

Belebu, Gola Central

Belebu Community is located 40 km from Kenema (1.5-2 hours) just south of Lalehun in Gola Central. The landscape is notable for its mountain climbs and panoramic views, which offer great opportunities for trekking. Belebu village guides have extensive indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants and will help you to spot wildlife, including a Picathartes nesting site and various monkey species.
The Belebu community guesthouse is owned and managed by the villagers and all fees go back to the community. The community guesthouse can comfortably accommodate up to eight people. In the evening, traditional Mende games and cultural dancing can be enjoyed in the village, or simply relax by the fire-pit and gaze up at the night sky in the locally-made hammocks.

Camping trips can be arranged or added to your stay at any of the lodges upon request. It is a great way to experience the forest and be immersed in nature. There are camping options available in both Gola South and Gola Central. On all camping trips visitors must be accompanied by a member of Park Staff and a Community Guide.
Tents can be provided which sleep two people each, but if you bring your own equipment you can enjoy a small discount. If you get cold easily, you should bring your own blanket or sleeping bag. All camping trips include food, which is shared with the guides. The menu usually consists of local food and an assortment of crackers, biscuits and hot drinks.